A Place in This World - Recap

The scene opens with Spartacus, Crixus and their charges storming a Roman villa in the typical Spartacus fashion, they are shown capturing the Dominus there and liberating the slaves, the battle is depicted brutally with more than enough bloodshed, in the end it is obviously Spartacus who is victorious. Crixus is shown killing the Dominus after he admits to seeing a woman who fits Naevia’s description recently; once again a brutal killing is depicted. Spartacus’ rousing speech convinces most of the slaves to join him on his endeavor, freedom and an opportunity to fight alongside the great warrior, being their motivation. However, young Tiberius, ex-body slave for the Dominus, is wary of the change to his status; he is in fact shown visibly bothered by it, but he keeps his cool and says nothing.

Meanwhile a comely female slave is befriended by Mira, who takes it upon herself to shield her from the advances of a Gaul warrior; she does so with the bravado of a warrior. The slave questions Mira about her relationship with Spartacus, more specifically, to what extent he is truly devoted to her, Mira is left wondering about the answer, as she herself isn’t sure about Spartacus’s true feelings. Meanwhile, Oenomaus is fighting in underground “gladiator” pits, his face covered in white paint as if to distance himself from his actions, although from the way he fights it’s easy to make out that it’s him. He has been flashing back to his first-ever fight as a youth, when he was still learning the ropes; he remembers being beaten to a bloody pulp by a much bigger, sadistic opponent, it was a valuable learning experience and has made him what he is today.

Just as the end seems near, he turns the tables; the young Oenomaus picks up a jagged bone weapon and thrusts it into the man’s groin, the scene is depicted rather gruesomely, leaving nothing to imagination. The fight is over with the young Oenomaus emerging victorious. Later, Oenomaus is bought by his future Dominus, he is chosen on the basis of his skills. He tells Oenomaus that he must learn the purpose for which he will fight for, that will give him reason to excel and keep going on. As he fights in the present, leaving the past memories behind, it is shown that Oenomaus is not entirely sure what his current purpose is, he seems to be facing a predicament. Meanwhile, in the house now run by Glaber, Ilithyia is given yet another “unsavory” task, which she visibly dislikes: she is to escort Lucretia to the open air marketplace, where her mere presence will stoke the hopefulness of the people; her sheer presence would help to raise their spirits.

In their interactions, it’s not quite certain if Lucretia is still as delusional as before, especially in regards to knowledge that she and Ilithyia are really enemies. She apparently seems to be absolutely fine. Ilithyia seethes over Lucretia’s way with the people, she hates her popularity with them, and thus she fails to notice that Lucretia has been given a note by a cloaked man. Meanwhile, back to Spartacus, in bed with Mira. As delicately as possible, Mira broaches the subject of their commitment to each other. Without using the “L” word (gladiators don’t have the word “love” in their vocabulary, apparently), Spartacus makes it clear that he is very committed to Mira, although he does it in a way that is befitting of a warrior. As they are about to consummate things, Tiberius the slave barges into the quarters with a knife. The attack is quickly squashed by Spartacus, as he uses his superior fighting skills to overpower him.

Crixus is adamant that the slave be killed for his actions, but Spartacus is equally adamant that the man-child deserves sympathy for what he’s lost, and also because he has many years ahead of him. Later, Spartacus has taken to training Tiberius on his own, to further hone his skills. Meanwhile, Glaber has a tense meeting with Seppus over how to handle the ongoing Spartacus business, they are worried sick over his growing strength and popularity. The gloves for Seppus are coming off, as he makes a brash accusation that Glaber dispatched some of his best men to ensure Ilithyia’s escape before the massacre, which outrages him to no end. Glaber denies it vehemently, but beyond that, he knows that Seppus is becoming more than a thorn in his side; he is shown visibly displeased by his presence. Later, Mira happens upon the female slave, who is servicing the nasty Gaul fighter.

Thinking that the slave has been forced to service him, Mira breaks things up, little realizing that it’s otherwise. The slave stuns Mira with the admission that she has willingly chosen her actions, and hasn’t been forced to servitude in any way. He further says that in this harsh new reality, she needs someone who will “take care” of her, subtly inferring that Mira performs the same function for Spartacus, a hint that she catches on to. Meanwhile, Lucretia wishes to perform a ritual, a goat’s sacrifice that, hopefully will result with positive results, because things aren’t too peachy at the moment. Of course, Ilithyia thinks its folly, but Glaber allows it, as he is not as averse to it. As she watches Lucretia perform the sacrifice, she sees an opportunity to rid herself of her rival.

Concurrently, Spartacus is alerted that Roman soldiers are fast approaching the villa; he comes up with a plan. Rather than fight, Spartacus’ idea is to have Tiberius greet them at the door with a story that the Dominus is whoring away at a nearby brothel; this would help him avoid battle and unnecessary bloodshed. Tiberius appears to play his part well, but as the Roman soldiers leave, he invites them in. Crixus believes this an act of betrayal, which forces Spartacus and the men to attack the soldiers in a bloody (what else) battle, thus his idea of avoiding bloodshed fails. Spartacus’ back isn’t covered, leaving him open for sure death, but the Roman soldier has a sword thrust into his own back by Tiberius, saving Spartacus’ life, Spartacus is surprised by Tiberius’s actions.

Tiberius in turn explains that he had to invite the soldiers in; if he had not, the lead Roman soldier would have gone for reinforcements and stormed the villa with even deadlier force, thus revealing the reason for his earlier behavior. Tiberius seems truly changed now, and even tells Spartacus his real name: Nassir, it seems like a beginning of a new friendship. Back to the goat sacrifice. Ilithyia, dagger in hand, is close to plunging it into Lucretia’s neck, her disgust for Luretia apparent in her eyes, but she is interrupted. Soon after, everyone is stunned by the capture of Oenomaus, ex-Doctore. Even as Lucretia proclaims this as a successful prophecy come true, we see the note in her hand, the contents of the note are still unknown. She knew about Oenomaus’ fighting and the near exhaustion that has caused him to be captured. Perhaps she’s not crazy after all. The episode ends.